MeeCee Baker represents central PA at the DNC

The Democratic National Convention is set to wrap up today in Charlotte, N.C. after President Barack Obama accepts his party's nomination for re-election and one central Pennsylvania delegate is "honored" to be there.

MeeCee Baker of Port Royal was asked earlier this summer to attend the convention, which she was thrilled to do.

"It's very positive, there is a lot of energy. ... I'm just honored to represent rural Pennsylvania," Baker said.

Baker said Charlotte is a beautiful town and the "mood has been very positive" among those attending the convention.

Baker said San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro's Keynote speech Tuesday night was "especially inspiring," as well as Michelle Obama's speech, which Baker described as "passionate."

She is also looking forward to Vice President Joe Biden's speech as well as the president's speech tonight, she said.

Baker said she feels Pennsylvania will back Obama this year, just like in 2008.

The Port Royal resident was recently asked the famous Ronald Reagan question "are you better off now than you were four years ago?" She said she thinks the whole country is better off.

Baker cites the withdraw of troops from Iraq and the dismantling of al-Qaida's hierarchy, including the death of Osama bin Laden, as evidence the security of the U.S. has taken a turn for the better.

For Baker though, the Affordable Care Act really struck home for her and something she feels a lot of people don't understand.

The "key points" of what has been dubbed "Obamacare" are what Baker focuses on, especially the provision lifting the lifetime limit on insurance and the fact her daughter can stay on her insurance until she is 26 years old.

Baker said her daughter had to be air lifted to a hospital once and she also had her own health scare recently, both of which got her thinking "would I have to sell the farm?" to pay for medical bills.

As a farmer, Baker said agricultural issues are especially important to her and she believes the president understands the importance of having strong agricultural communities.

Baker said she was especially pleased to hear that the president supports "crop insurance," an issue that is important to some farmers.

Baker said that most of all, her trip to Charlotte has made her appreciate the country she lives in that much more.

"I'm very grateful ... it's just an honor to be able to represent central Pennsylvania," Baker said.

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